Buying an E-file & bits? Nail techs: here’s what to consider

By Rebecca Hitchon | 21 February 2025 | Expert Advice, Feature, Products & Treatments

Nail experts share what to know before buying an E-file and bits…

Choose the company carefully

Giorgia Cappella

“Purchase from a reputable professional brand that also provides high-quality training for its E-file range, as undertaking this training is the best way to ensure the tools are being used correctly,” says Giorgia Cappella, head of education & spa at The GelBottle Inc.

Lucy James

“Ensure the retailer provides plenty of information about its products and offers additional help and aftercare where needed,” adds Lucy James, founder & CEO of Willow Academy Ltd. “E-file specialists should be able to tell you about their machines, bits, longevity, service and more.”

E-file features to look for

Katie Clark

“Consider ergonomics and design, choosing a handpiece that feels comfortable and lightweight, to reduce strain and allow for easy manoeuvrability,” shares Katie Clark, founder of Katie Barnes Tool Range & Education. “Also ensure that the E-file device is well-assembled, robust and produced from durable materials, and has a battery life suited to your work demands. It should accommodate various bits and the standard E-file shank size of 3/32-inch.”

“Buying cheap can be a false economy: remember ‘buy cheap, buy twice’.” – Jenni Draper

Jenni Draper

“The E-file should be quiet, so that you can comfortably hold a conversation with clients, and have a low vibration to prevent strain,” notes Jenni Draper, celebrity manicurist, educator & founder of the PersoNAILity brand. “As with anything electrical, make sure the E-file comes with a guarantee and purchase support, too.”

Picking E-file bits

Sara Pinto

“Selecting the right bit is essential to achieve professional results safely, ensuring efficient, high-quality work while preserving the health of nails,” comments Sara Pinto, Andreia Professional product director. “A well-rounded collection of E-file bits includes about five to six bits. This allows you to handle a variety of services without owning unnecessary tools.

“Investing in quality over quantity ensures each bit performs optimally and lasts longer.”

“As a nail tech, I understand how easy it is to run over between clients, and how important it is to have time between appointments to decompress – so owning enough E-file bits to get though a full day or half day is really helpful,” says Lucy James. “This means that you only need to clean your E-file bits once or twice a day.”

“You should have a couple of bits for removal, then you’ll need a bit for natural nail preparation – such as a fine diamond bit or sanding band,” adds a MelodySusie product development representative. “For cuticle work, different options include a flame or needle bit for detailed cuticle cleaning or lifting the nail fold, a tapered bit for pushing the fold and a ball bit for removing dead skin. Next, a fine or extra-fine barrel bit is great for smoothing enhancements, and an extra-fine polishing bit will achieve a high-shine finish. If your clients prefer longer nails, a long, tapered tungsten carbide bit is ideal.”